The Zutons

The Zutons are back with their first album in 16 years, titled ‘The Big Decider’, the new album was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with songwriter and producer Nile Rodgers, alongside the band’s original producer Ian Broudie.

Completed by Dave McCabe (guitar, lead vocals), Abi Harding (saxophone, vocals) and Sean Payne (drums, vocals), the forthcoming album follows on from the three LPs the multi-platinum selling band released between 2004 and 2008, and is one “born under the weight of family tragedies”. The album was “wrestled into shape under the kind of steam that only decades-long friendships – with all their messy fall-outs, make-ups, breakdowns and ultimately love – can muster”, and became symbolic of the love of creating music rising above all else.

The members were also brought together after McCabe’s stay in rehab, which sparked a turning point for the artist and a closer bond being formed between the members. “Dave has been through an awful lot in the last few years, and these things have obviously really impacted him. But his songwriting has only got better. Now he spends more time on his songs. He’s in touch with his own and others’ emotions, and that all goes into the songs. It has been so nice to watch him grow. I’m so proud of him,” said Harding.

Speaking of the album, McCabe said it was “great to reconnect with Ian Broudie”, and that working with Chic legend Nile Rodgers was “an amazing experience” which “gave me a confidence that I’ve never felt before making a record”.